Seller's Resources

You're ready to sell your home, and you want to be sure that you're getting the most out of your investment.

Terra Nova strives to protect your investment through customized marketing strategies, leveraging technology, creative design and smart tactics. We are especially well-suited to help sellers in the Triangle region, near Raleigh, Durham, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, as well as the areas of Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Chatham County and Orange County.

Pre-Market Tips

It's easy to make a few changes that will make a big impact for potential buyers.

1. PaintNothing makes a home look newer faster than a fresh coat of paint. It’s an instant cure for an outdated look. Keep the colors light and neutral because they gave greater appeal and can make small rooms seem larger.

2. Clean and brightenHave your carpets professionally shampooed to help eliminate odors caused by smoking or pets. Clean all windows and make sure all light bulbs work. Consider installing higher wattage bulbs in some lamps to create a lighter, brighter room. Open all curtains and let the sun shine in! Dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to most home-buying prospects

3. Reduce clutterEveryone has clothing that hasn’t been worn in years. Dig in and select those items that you can donate or discard. If your rooms have too much furniture, maybe it’s time for a garage sale or to put some things in storage.

4. Organize the kitchenYou’ll be surprised by the amount of space you can create by clearing the counters and adding drawer organizers. Store seldom-used small appliances in an out-of-the-way place. .

5. Update the bathIf cleaning and painting isn’t enough to spruce up a dull bath, replacing the vanity and sink could be an inexpensive solution. Also, consider installing new floor covering or resurfacing a stained tub.

6. Repair a wet basementSimply installing covers over window wells or moving a downspout may eliminate your problem. If you need more extensive repairs, and you’re not able to make them, be prepared to explain the problem to a buyer. Never try to cover up the signs of a wet basement.

8. Create a grand entrancePaint your front door with a bright color, add new house numbers, a doorknob or kick-plate. Prune your bushes and add colorful blooming plants to help make a good first impression.

9. Repair a leaky roofOne tiny water stain on the ceiling not only looks bad, it will cause buyers to question the condition of the entire roof. Fix the source of the leak and repair any damage cause to the ceiling.

10. ExterminateCall in a professional to rid your home of insects such as termites, ants, wasps and cockroaches. Repair any damage caused by insects. Remember that it will take a few days for the pesticide odor to clear.

Be a Great Home Seller

TRUE OR FALSE?Once you have chosen a Realtor to represent you in the sale of your home and have signed a listing, you should get out of the way and let the Realtor find a buyer.

False.Selling a home quickly and at the best possible price requires involvement by the owners as well as the Realtor in the selling process. It’s Teamwork! The sellers’ responsibilities fall into two areas:1) Providing a home that is fairly priced with attractive terms, and2) providing a home in marketable condition.The Realtor is responsible for preparing and implementing a marketing plan which will attract suitable buyers to the home resulting in an acceptable transaction for the sellers.

Pricing is important because most buyers comparison shop before making their purchase decision.As a result, they eliminate homes which are priced above “fair market value.” The Realtor can provide details of recent sales in the local market, as well as pricing of similar homes currently for sale. This data can be used by the sellers to arrive at a price which reflects the value offered by their home.

Providing an attractive home in marketable condition is critical to a successful sale too. No matter how effective the marketing plan, buyers expect to purchase a home in excellent condition. By performing an objective walk-through inspection of the home, the Realtor can provide the sellers with a list of possible improvements. It is then up to the sellers to see that the home presents a positive first impression.

With the sellers’ participation, the Realtor will create an imaginative marketing plan. This plan will target groups of buyers most likely to purchase the home, and advertising and promotion will be placed to attract their attention. The home is thus positioned to appeal to the widest possible segment of purchasers.

The next time you sell your home, plan to work in partnership with your Realtor. The results can be an emotionally and financially satisfying home-selling experience.

Tips for Better Showings

CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT?Illumination in your home can be the “welcome sign” for every prospect. Turn on all of the exterior and interior lights, including accent & picture lights.

AVOID CROWDSPotential buyers will feel like intruders and want to hurry through your home if there are too many people around. Send the kids over to the neighbors or take a walk while your house is being shown.

SILENCE IS GOLDENWhen showing your house, turn down, or off, radios or television sets. Let the salesperson and buyers talk freely without having to yell over any noise.

PUT FIDO OUTSIDEDog may be man’s best friend, but not when showing your house. Keep pets out of the way; not underfoot.

THIS IS NOT A SOCIAL CALLBe courteous and friendly, but don’t try to force conversation with potential buyers. They are there to inspect your house, not to be social. Let the salesperson do the talking.

THIS IS NOT A GARAGE SALEDon’t try to sell the potential buyers any of the furniture or furnishings that you don’t want to take with you. They haven’t even bought your house yet – you could foul up the sale.

LET THE REALTOR DO ITLet our professional salespeople talk to the customer about selling price, terms, possession date and other factors. Our salespeople have been specially trained and have the experience to bring the negotiations on your house to a satisfactory conclusion.